In this review, we will be comparing DB10 and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Fluance and Bowers Wilkins. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Fluance DB10 and B&W DB4S first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Fluance DB10 and B&W DB4S compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Fluance DB10and B&W DB4S have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
DB10 has a frequency range of 38-180 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the DB10's min frequency of 38Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The Fluance DB10 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs. On the other hand the B&W DB4S have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Fluance DB10's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Fluance DB10 has external dimensions of 406.0 x 302.0 x 399.0mm ( 16 x 11-7/8 x 15-11/16inch) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
Fluance DB10 is 60mm narrower and 35mm less deeper than B&W DB4S but it is also 31mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Fluance DB10 is approximately 1205.0cm2 / 186.8inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The DB10 requires 23% less surface area than the DB4S which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Fluance DB10 weighs 11.20kg / 24.6lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 133% heavier than the DB10.
Here is a comparison of how DB10 and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Base Surface Area |
1205cm2
vs
1571cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
200USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
375mm
vs
406mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Fluance DB10 |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Fluance |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
45 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
38-180 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
45-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
120-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40 Hz - 180 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
406.0mm (16") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
302.0mm (11.9") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
399.0mm (15.7") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
11.20kg (24.6lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |